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"The Ministry for the Future" is a science fiction novel by Kim Stanley Robinson, published in 2020. The novel explores climate change and its impacts on society, as well as the possible solutions that could be implemented to address this global crisis through the idea of the creation of a United Nations department called The Ministry for the Future.
The opening chapter to this book is perhaps one of the most brutal descriptions of the toll global warming and increased temperatures will have on people. It is a stark reminder that extreme heat is a much bigger killer than cold and an issue that is already here and growing. This opening chapter is a hard read but it is vital to understanding the unfolding events and does make you ask what will be the event that causes the world to act on climate change. Will it really take the deaths of millions of people in one climate event?
The narrative unfolds around two characters, a survivor turned terrorist/activist, and the leader of the newly formed intergovernmental ministry. The weaving of their narratives together creates a fascinating two sides scenario, where both of trying to solve the same problem but from different perspectives, approaches, and legality!
"Our mission is simple: to advocate for the world’s future generations and all living creatures." - The Ministry For The Future
The novel is structured through a series of interconnected stories, interviews, and reports, providing multiple perspectives on the unfolding climate crisis and the efforts to address it. This format allows for a broad and multifaceted exploration of the issues at hand.
Key Themes
Climate Change and Environmental Crisis:Â The novel vividly describes the severe impacts of climate change, including extreme weather events, sea-level rise, and ecological collapse.
Geoengineering:Â Various geoengineering techniques are explored as potential solutions to mitigate climate change, such as solar radiation management and carbon capture and storage.
Economic and Social Change:Â The book delves into the economic and social transformations required to combat climate change, including shifts in global finance, the adoption of a carbon coin currency, and changes in consumer behavior.
Political Will and International Cooperation:Â The narrative emphasizes the importance of international cooperation and political will in addressing global challenges.
Ethical Dilemmas: The story raises ethical questions about the use of technology and the potential consequences of radical interventions in the Earth’s climate system.
The novel served as a thought-provoking exploration of the potential pathways humanity might take to address one of the most pressing issues of our time. Our group discussion centered around our perceptions of how likely and successful the actions taken in the book might be in the reality. We while all fervently wished for any and all of them to be enacted, we were most intrigued with the ideas to how to shift business/economies and nation states to work together on the global crisis.
"No one is coming to save us. Mass action is the only way forward."
Next Meeting is Wednesday, September 11th, 7:00-8:30pm
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